Door closer and check



WJ. BRYON. DOOR CLOSER AND CHECK.

APPucATloN man MAY s, 1915.

WTNESSES:

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

'l WILLIAM J. BRYON, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

noon CLOSER AND CHECK.

Application filed May 8,

To all whom it may concern- Be it known that I, WILLIAM J. BnYoN, a citizen of the United States, residing in thecity, county, and State of New York; have invented certain new and useful Improve-v ments in Door Closers and Checks, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to novel and useful improvements in door closers and checks, and has Special reference to that type in which a plurality of cushions are provided to check the closing movements of the door, and also where the parts thereof are unconcealed by connection with the door and overhead casing in the usual manner.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide an improved door closer and check in which the chamber or chambers for containing respectively the closing means as a spring, and Athe checking mechanism constituting the cushioning means above referred to, are noncominunicating, 'and in which the operating spindle or post of the device has connection with a piston movable in the cylinder portion of the chamber containing the checking mechanism, byfineans of a crank and link or connecting rod iii .which the pivot o r wrist pin of the latter cooperates with the piston to produce a valve designed to control the checking operation.

Another object is to provide for two cushions, the first of which is operative during the initial closing of the door, while the sec.

ond or positive cushion is operative when the door has reached a point in close proximity to the latching position, so that slamming or closing of the door with undue force and jar is obviated.

Another object is to provide an improved adjustable pivotal link connection between the lever armv ofthe door closer and check and the lintel or overhead casing forming a part of the frame, whereby adjustment of the length of the linkcan be accomplished without removing the split portion thereof from the lever arm, thereby preventing the door from moving to a closed position. The adjustment of the length of the link also serves the purpose of timing the automatic valve above referred to and in this connection serves to control or regulate the operation of the cushions in order to bring the positive cushion into operation at the proper time. Another object is to provide a device which Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 4, i921. i915. serial No. 26,807. i

will not be likely to get out of working order aand which will be durable, eiiicient and positive in operation. With the above and other objects iii/view, the invention consists in the novel combinations and arrangements of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described and claimed.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this speciiication, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views and in which:

Figure 1 is a plan View showing the improved door closer and check in position, portions of the door and casing being Shown in section. l

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional elevation of the device taken through the casting thereof.

Fig. 3 is av horizontal sectional view through the chamber of the checking mechanism as shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4l is a fragmentary sectional view Showing the connection between the crank and the piston, with the parts positioned when the valve is closed.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary Sectional elevation the section being taken on a line longitudinal of the adjustable link to more clearly define the structure thereof,

Fig. `G is a cross sectional view taken on line 6 6 of Fig. 5. n

Fig. 7 is ay detail sectional view of a modified foim of adjusting means for the link.

V,In the drawings the door closer and check are shown or illustrated as comprising a casting in the form ofva casing 10, including a chamber 11, adapted to inclose the closing means or spring 12, while 13 designates the chamber for inclosing the checking mechamsm. This chamber is separated or made non communicating with respect to the chamber 11, by an intermediate partition or wall 14, and is provided witha cylindrical portion 15 closed by an air tight'cap 16 in the usual manner. A vertical spindle or post 19 is jouriialed to oscillate in the horizontal walls produced by the bottom of the casing 10 on the bottom of the chamber 13 in a bearing 16 and through a packing gland 17 in the partition or wall 14, as well as through a cover 18 secured in an air tight connection to the top of the cylindrical chamber 11, inclosing the Spring 12, the upper end of which of a lever arm 20, rigid therewith and suitably retained from displacement. The spring 12, constituting the closing means is connected to the casing at the chamber portion 11 and also to the arm within said chamber, such connection being effected with the arm through the medium of its double ratchet mechanism including a square toothed ratchet wheel 21, having connection with the spring and engaged by a double acting pawl 22 carried by the arm. This latter structure is general and well known, and no novelty is claimed therefor, as any other connection may be made between the spring and lever arm as is desired. As the chamber 13 is designed to contain air or other suitable non-freezing fluid or liquid, the packing gland 17 besides serving as the bearing for the spindle or post 19, also prevents the escape of such fluid or air into the chamber 11 to interferewith ther cushioning action which will be hereinafter explained.

The spindle 19 is formed with a crank 23 and operating in the cylindrical portion of the chamber13 is a piston 24 having conne@ tion with the crank 23 through the medium of a link or connecting rod 25, whereby during the oscillation of the spindle, the piston will be reciprocated in the usual manner, due to the connection of the door closer and check proper through the medium of` an attaching portion 26 with door 27 hinged or Swinging in a frame 28. The free end of the lever `arm 2O has connection with the lintel or overhead casing 29 or the door frame by an improved adjustable link 30, the construction of which will more clearly appear hereinafter.

The piston 24 is provided with one or more valved passageways 31 to avoid a drag on the door when initially opened, by permitting the free escape of the fluid thereby through the `crank end of the chamber 13 to the portion 15 thereof and the pivotal connection of the link or connecting rod 25 cooperates with the piston to produce a valved passageway constituting means to produce a plurality of cushions effective during the clcsing of the door. Tn the present instance, two cushions are provided, the first or primary cushion being operative during the initial closing of the door, to a point in close proximity or adjacent to the latching thereof, while the second or positive cushion then takes effect t0 considerably check the movement of the door to prevent closing thereof with undue force and jar. For this purpose the piston is provided with a passageway 32 of suitable cross section leading entirely through the same and the pivot or crank pin of the link or connecting rod 25, which may take the form of a leg 33 projecting from said link or connectingrod and held from displacement by the crank 23 to which the link is pivotally connected,

coperates with a seat 34 forming a 'channel in the piston diametrically of the latter, said pivot, wrist pin or leg also having a diametrical passage 35 of suitable cross section to coperate with the passage 32, whereby commuiiication between opposite sides of the piston in the chamber may be established or cut off. As will be clearly seen from Figs. 2. `and e'. of the drawings, when the door is open, being usually swung in an arc of about 350 or 90, or possibly 180o the spindle or post 19 will be oscillated against the action of the spring 12 as the lever arm 2O is oscillatedby the swinging of the door through the medium of the link connection 30, with the result that the pivot will be oscillated to bring the passages 32 and 35 into alinement during the initial closing of the door to permit the escape of the fluid from in front of the piston to the crank end of Athe chamber 13, while the initial cushion is operative. The position of the parts during this operation is shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings. However, when the piston has traveled its full stroke during` the complete oscillation of the lever arm and spindle.` or for instance to the position shown in Fig. 1, the passage 35 will be moved out of alinement with the passage 32 so that the passage 32 will be closed and communication cut ofi from opposite sides of the piston, thus producing a positive cushion in front of the piston by the additional pressure or resistance offered. This positive cushion checks the closing 0f the door adjacent to the latching position while the slow escape of the fluid thereafter between the inter-fitted parts of the cylinder, piston, will suflice to permit the piston to move its full stroke under the action of the closing means or spring so that the door will close or latch without undue force, jar or noise incident thereto. This closing is positive and when once adjusted will not vary the fraction of an inch, thus avoiding the constant annoyance occasioned by devices for this purpose `employing physical working valves.

The adjustable link 30 serves as a meansfor regulating the effective action of the cushion. .es illustrated, said link has a pivotal connection with the lintel or overhead casing 29 through the medium of a swivel connection 36. The link includes a section or part 37 externally threaded on its free end and loosely passed through a longitudinal aperture 38 in a split section or part 39 swiveled and clamped against displacement as shown at 4i() to the free end of the lever arm 20. An adjusting nut has a screw threaded connection with the adjusting screw or section 37 at the threaded end of the latter, and is held from displacement within an opening or reamed out portion 42 of the split section 39. The nut is rough cned or milled as shown, to permit it to be easily turned and thereby adjust the parts longitudinally or teleseopically with relation to each other to permit adjustment of the length of link without disconnecting the the same with respect to the lever arm, or requiring the arm to be manually held against the tension of the closing means or spring while the adjustment is being accomplished. The adjustment of the arm serves to turn the spindle or post 19 and thereby oscillate the valve formed by the pivot or wrist pin 33, due to the lengthening or shortening of the link 30, thus to regulate the time at Lwhich the valve serves e to bring the passageways 35 into alinement with the passageway 32 or to cut oil the passageway 32 and to bring the last part of the cushion or the positive cushion into play. lt will also be noted from Fig. 3 that one end of the passageway `55 is slightly widened in order to allow for this adjustment in such a manner that when the door is open the valve will be entirely open and will gradually close until the door reaches a point in close proximity to the latching position.

ris a means for holding the nut in an adjusted position after the length of the link 30 has been regulated, a pivoted latch 43 may be mounted at one side oit the section 39 and provided with an extension :tei to engage in one of a series of longitudinal notches a5 in the nut to prevent the latter from turning while the latch is held against displacement when so engaged by means of a spring or holding device 46. By this means any play between the parts is taken up and a thoroughly tight connection is guaranteed.

ln the form shown in Fig. 7 of the drawing, the adjusting nut Lil is provided with a series of recesses 4- 2 in one end thereof, instead. of the notches or recesses in theperipheral surface as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 of tie drawing, and the adjacent end of the section 39 carries a spring-actuated bolt or latch 43 mounted in a longitudinal seat or bored out portion or" the section communicating with the opening 4:2, the latch or bolt being operated by the spring tat to engage one ofthe respective notches in order to hold the nut against rotation, but adapted to be displaced by means of a finger piece a5 branching from the latch or bolt and operable exteriorly. olZ the section -at the top thereof instead ot at the side as shown in the other form.

By proper adjustment or by adjusting the stroke of the piston so as to shorten the length thereof, whereby to prevent total closing or seating of the valve during the forward stroke or movement ofi/the piston while the door is closing, a single primary cushion will be formed or produced, and

by further adjustment of the stroke of the piston, said cushion may be shortened or lengthened when solely in play. lV hen `however, the stroke oit the piston is lengthened sufficiently to produce and cut into the positive cushion formed by the complete closing or seating oi the valve and after the valveis closed to totally cut oli" the escape oi the liquid or fluid through the by-pass or passagm'a plurality of distinct cushions will be produced and the. other or positive second cushion oit the plurality of cushions operative after the first cushion, may be regulated or adjusted, that is, shortened or lcngthened, when a plurality oi cushions are in play, independently oi or so as not to change or alter the length, speed or strength of the first cushion `formed.

From the foregoing description t; ken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it will be seen that there is provided a very elicient and simple form ot door closer and check and particular j; an adjusting and regulating mechanism which is simple and positive in operation, and which will be applicable to general forms ot devices other than as specifically described Having now described my invention, wh at I claim as new and desire to secure by lietters Patent is:

fi. In a door check and closer, the combination with a closing means and a checking mechanism having a cushion, and a post having adjustable connection with a stationary part; of means operative through the medium of adjustment oi the connection and post for regulating` the last part of the cushion, said adjustment being made while taining the parts in operative connection at all times. f

2. ln a door closer andcheck, the combination with a closing means and a checking mechanism having a plurality of cushions,

`and a post having' adjustable connection with.V a stationary part; of locking means operative through' the medium ot adjustment of the connection and post for regulating the length and time ot one ot the cushions, said locking means being adapted to be manually disconnected and automatically connected, and said adjustment being made while retaining the parts in operative connection at all times.

3. ln a door closer and check, a closing means and a checking mechanism having a plurality oiz liquid cushions and a post provided with an arm, an adjustable link connected to the arm; of means operative through the adjustable link and post for regulating one of the cushions, said adjustment being` made while retaining the parts in operative. connection at all, times.

et. In a door closer and check. the combination with a closing means and a. Cheching mechanism constituting a cushioning loll means, and a post; of means y operative through the medium of the post for regulating the cushioning means to produce one or more cushions, and to shorten or lengthen said one cushion when solely in play, and to shorten or lengthen the other ot the plurality of cushions operative after the iirst cushion when a plurality ot cushions are in play, independent of the length, speed or strength ot the first cushion formed.

5. 1n a door closer and check, a closing means, a checking mechanism including piston forming a cushioning` means, a passageway through the piston, a valve seated in the passage-way and automatically oo ntrolling said passsageway directly, a post having connection with the valve, for constantly moving the same during the movement of the post, an adjustable connection carried by the post and operative through the same for regulating tl e cushioning means while maintaining the operative connection for producing one or more cushions and to shorten or lengthen said one cushion when solely in play and to shorten or lengthen the second cushion when a plurality of cushions are in play.

6. 1n a device of the character described, a two chambered casing, a spindle rotatably journaled through the chambers of said casing, an arm connected to the spindle, a ten-r sion spring contained in one of said chambers and having operative connections with the arm, a piston movable in the other chamber and having valved passageways therethrough, said spindle having a cranked portion, a connecting rod between said cranked portion and piston, and a pivot connecting said rod to the piston and provided with a single passageway forming a valve in association with the passageway through the piston.

7. In a device of the character described, a two chambered casing, a spindle rotatably j ournaled through the chambers of said casing, an arm connected to the spindle, a tension spring contained in one of said chambers and having operative connections with the arm, a piston movable in the other chamber and having valved passageways therethrough, said spindle having a cranked portion, a connecting rod between said cranked portion and the piston and having an apertured pivot portion intercepting a passageway, said piston in the last mentioned chamber constituting a cushioning means in which the forward movement of the piston by oscillation of the crank and rod serves to open said valve by oscillation otl the pivot and alinement of the passageways, said pivot serving to close said valve at a predetermined time to prevent the free escape ot fiuif through the passageway intercepted by the pivot portion.

8. In a device of the character described,

va two chambered casingl` a spindle rotatably journaled through the chambers ofsaid casing, an arm connected to the spindle, a tension spring contained in one oi' said chambers and having operative connections with the arm, a piston movable in the other chamber and having valved passageways therethrough, said spindle having a cranked portion, a connecting rod between said cranked portion and the piston and having a pivot connecting to the latter, said piston in the last mentioned chamber constituting a cushioning means in which the forward movement of the piston by oscillation of the crank and rod serve to open said valve by oscillation of the pivot and alinement of the passageways, said pivot serving to close said valve at a predetermined time yto produce a positive cushion in front of said piston serving to check the free movement thereof under the action of the spring and consequently the free movement of the arm, and means to vary the time of closing the valve by the arm through the .medium ot the spindle.

9. In a door check and closer, a cylinder, a piston operable in said cylinder, a movable part having operative connection with the piston, said connection including a spindie having a crank and a link having a wrist pin pivotally connected with the piston, said piston having a plurality of passageways therethrough, a check valve controlling one of said passageways and a valve produced by the pivotal connection of the link with the piston coperat'mg with one orq said passageways, said pivotal connection having a passageway therethrough.

10. In a door closer and check, in combination, a cylinder, a piston operable in said cylinder, a movable part having operative connection with the piston, said connection including a spindle having a crank and a link having a wrist pin pivotally connected with the piston, said piston having a plurality of passageways therethrough, a check valve controlling one of said passageways, said wrist pin having a passage therethrough cooperating with the other passageway through the piston, and serving to gradually open and close the same during the operative movements of the piston.

11. In a door check and closer, the combination with a closing means and a checking mechanism comprising a piston, a link and a spindle pivotally connected to the piston through the medium of the link, said piston having an open passageway and a valved .passageway therethrough, said piston having means coperative with the open passageway through the medium of the pivotal link on its forward stroke in producing automatically a plurality of successively operable cushions, and means through the medium of the spindle of regulating and controlling the length or time of the closing action of the first one of said plurality of cushions without bringing the other cushions into operative action.

l2. A. door check comprising a liquid chamber, a piston in said chamber provided with an aperture for establishino` communication with the chamber at opposite sides of the piston, a valve pivoted to operate in the lpiston and cooperating with the passageway to control the flow of iiuid therethrough, a spring actuated spindle and operative connections between the spindle and the valve for pivoting the latter during the reciprocation of the piston, said valve-hava passage therethrough adapted to be moved into and out of alinement with the passageway through the piston.

13. A door check comprising a liquid chamber', a shaft, a rod, and a piston in said chamber, a passageway connnunicating with the chamber at opposite sides ot the piston, and means including a pivoted rod movable vwith the piston for automatically graduating the ilow oi' liquid through the passageway, and thereby producing a plurality oi' cushions, and means of controlling one of .sa id cushions through the medium oi' changing'the position oi the shaft independently oit time, speed and length oi the other cushion and while the parts are in operative relation.

lfl. In a door closer and check, the combination with a closing and checking mechanism including a liquid chamber, a piston therein, a post having connection with the piston. means for operating the piston. a plurality of passageways through the piston, a check valve controlling certain ot said passageways, a separate valve directly cooperating with and automatically controlling the other passageway, a lever arm connected. to the post, an adjustable link 'having pivotal. connection with the extremity oit said arm, said link including a pair of sections Lelescoping with one another, means lor adjusting said sections wherebyY to vary the length of the link while retaining the parts in operative connection at all times and regulate the length or stroke ot the piston through the post and thereby regulate the cushions produced thereby', and means for loc ring said adjusting means.

l5. A door check comprising a liquid chfuifiber, a crank shaft, a pivotal rod, and a piston in said chamber. there being a pascxway through the piston and communic g with the chamber atopposite sides of the piston, and means of controlling the iiow ot the liquid through said passageway by the pivotal rod movable with the piston to automatically control and graduate the flow ot the liquid through said passageway during the forward movement of the piston and thereby produce two distinct separate cushions, a primary graduating cushion and a positive cushion, and means of regulating and controlling),` the positive cushion independently of the operation of the primary cushion.

16. A door check comprising a liquid chamber, a crank shaft, a pivoted rod, and a piston in said chamber, and having a passageway therethrough, means for controlling the flow of the liquid through the passageway by the pivoted rod movable with the piston to automatically control and graduate the flow oi the liquid through said passageway during the forward movement of the piston to produce a primary cushion and thereafter, a positive cushion gradually brought into operation, and means of regulating and controlling the positive cushion while maintaining a constant primary cushion through manually turning and locking the position of the crank shaft, whereby the travel of the piston at or near the finish of the stroke will be effected, shortened, or lengthened. v

17. In a door closer and check, the combination with a closing means and a checking mechanism comprisingva spindle, a piston, a link, said link having pivotal connection to the spindle and piston, said piston being provided with an open passageway and a plurality of valved passageways therethrough, said open passageway having cooperative means through the medium of the pivotal link in its operative action in producing automatically a plurality of cushions, and means through the medium of the spindle of regulating and controlling the length or time of the second of the plurality ot cushions independent of manual adjustment of said cooperative means and while maintaining the operative connections of the parts.

18. In a device of the class described, a cylinder, a piston operable in said cylinder, a movable part having operative connection with the piston7 said connection including a spindle having a crank and a link between the crank and the piston, said piston having an open passageway therethroughy and valved communication with the cylinder at opposite sides of the piston, said open passageway having cooperative means through the medium of the pivotal link in producing a plurality of cushions, means operative through the spindle to shorten or lengthen the stroke of the piston, said adjustment being made while retaining the parts in operative connection at all times, and means t0 positively lock the parts in adjusted positions.

19. ln a device of the class described, a cylinder. a spindle,- a piston movable in said cylinder, a pivotal movable part having operative connection with the spindle and the piston, said piston being provided with an open passageway and a plurality. of valved passageways therethrough, said open passageway having means coperative through the pivotal movable part whereby in its operation a plurality of cushions are automatically produced and means operative through the medium of the spindle for regulating and controlling the means cooperative with the open passageway and said plurality of cushions.

20. A door check comprising a liquid chamber, a piston therein, means -for operating the piston, a plurality of valved passageways and an open passageway communicating with the chamber at opposite sides of the piston, an oscillating device movable with the piston for automatically controlling the flow of the liquid through the open or valveless passageway and to completely close said passageway `and thereby automatically produce in its operating a plurality of cushions.

21. A door check comprising a liquid chamber, a piston therein, means for operating the piston, a single passageway, and a valved passageway communicating with the chamber at opposite sides of the piston, and an oscillating device movable with the piston 'for automatically controlling the ilow of the liquid through said valveless passageway and to totally close said passageway at apredetermined time and thereby automatically produce in operation a plurality of cushions, one of which is positive.

22. A door check comprising a `liquid chamber, a horizontally operating piston therein, means Jfor operating the piston, a valved passageway and an open passageway communicating with the chamber at opposite sides of the piston, an oscillatory device movable with the piston for automatically controlling the flow of liquid through said open passageway and thereby producing in operation a. plurality o' cushions and means for adjusting the movement of the oscillatory device through regulation of the stroke of the piston.

23. A device of the character described, comprising' a fluid chamber, a piston in said chamber, means ttor operating the piston, an open passageway and a plurality of operating valved passage rays communicating with the chamber at opposite sides of the piston, an oscillating device controlling the iow of the liquid through said open passageway and means movable during the reciprocation of the piston for controlling said device to automatically regulate the flow of the fluid through said open passageway whereby the passageway is opened during the initial movement of the piston but completely closed during the final closing movement of the piston.

A. door closer and check, a liquid chamber, a spindle, a link and a piston pivotally connected together in said chamber, there being a passageway communicating with the chamber at opposite sides of the piston, an arm on the spindle, means including the pivotal link, movable with the piston for automatically graduating the tlow of the liquid through the passageway and to close the same thereby producing a plurality of cushions and adjustable locking means for controlling and regulating the length or time oi one of said cushions through the medium of changing the position of the arc turned by the spindle by the arm while the parts are in operative relation.

25. In a door check and closer, the combination with a closing means and a checking mechanism having a cushion and a post having adjustable connection with a stationary part; of means operative through the medium of physical adjustment of the connection for thereafter automatically regulating the vlast part of the cushion without disturbing the operative positions of the parts.

Q6. In a door check and closer, the combination with a closing means and a checking mechanism having a cushion, and al post having adjustable connection with a stationary part; of means operative through the medium oi physical adjustment of the connection and post, thereby providing a plurality of cushions and regulating one of the cushions without perceptibly alfecting the other cushion.

27. In a door closer and check, the combination with a closing means and a checking mechanism having a plurality of cushions and a post having adjustable connection with a stationary part; of means operative through the medium of adjustment of the connection and post for regulating one of the cushions without disturbing the operative ycondition of the connection and parts associated therewith and locking means for securing the parts against accidental movement.

28. In a door closer and check, the combination with a closing and checking mechanism including a liquid chamber, a piston therein, a post having connection with the piston, spring means -lor operating the piston, a plurality of passageways through the piston, a check-valve controlling one of said passageways, a separate valve associated with the connection between vthe post and piston and controlling the other passageway, a lever arm connected to the post, an adjustable link having pivotal connection with the extremity of said arm, means for adjusting the length of said link without disturbing the connection thereof with the arm and means to lock said last named means against turning when adjusted.

29. In a door check and closer, the combi-` nation with a closing means and a checking mechanism having a piston; of means including an automatically actuated valve carried by the piston :tor automatically closing a passageway through the saine gradually and at a predetermined time entirely closing said passageway to produce a plurality of distinct cushions during the movement of the piston while the door is closing, one of said cushions at least, being positive or capable of control, and said means being operative independently of manual adjustment of mechanism within the casing and adapted to be adjusted independently or' physical working valves.

30. In a door check and closer, a easing divided into two chambers, a spring in one of said chambers, a piston in the other of said chambers and having operative connection with the spring to cause the actuation of the piston, a single valve means associated in the connection to produce a plurality of cushions during the forward movement of the piston, one of which is of suf- .ticient density or resistance as to be capable of control as to its length, time and speed, said cushions being produced in the mechanism automatically during the movements of the parts entirely during the operation of the check in closing.

3l. In a door check and closer, the combination with a closing means and a checking mechanism having a post and a piston operatively connected thereto; of means for establishing valved-communication between the spaces or chambers at opposite sides of the piston, a single valve for causing the automatic production of a plurality of cushions duriiig the operation of the check, one of which is positive and of sufficient strength to be capable of being regulated, and means for regulating the stroke of the piston and operation of the valve.

32. In a door check and closer, a casing divided into two chambers, a spring chainber and a piston chamber, a spindle jurnaled to extend through said chambers and having adjustable connection with a part to be operated, there being a passageway or bypass communicating with the opposite ends of the piston chamber, a piston in the chamber and operatively connected with the spindle, and a valve cooperating with the passage-way'to produce a plurality of successive graduating cushions automatically during the forward movement of the piston, said passageway being automatically and entirely cut olf when the piston is near the end of its stroke to produce a positive cushion oli-'ering strongL increased resistance to the movement of the piston with subsequent escape of fluid between the piston and casing during the operation of the last cushion.

33. In a door check and closer,l the combination with a cylinder adapted to contain a cushioning fluid, a piston working in said cylinder and provided with a post in operative connection therewith, there being passageway communicating with the cylinder at opposite sides of the piston; of means tor operating the piston by turning the post,

said piston producing a relatively constant primary cushion during the first part of its movement, and means whereby when the piston reaches a point near the limit ott its movement said passageway will be completely closed to form a minutely adjustable positive cushion operative after saidprimary cushion.

34. In a door check and closer, a casing divided into two chambers, a spring chamber and a piston chamber, a spindle journaled to extend through said chambers and having adjustable connection with a part to be operated, said adjustment being capable independently ci disconnection of the parts, said spindle having a crank, a piston in the chamber having valve connection with the crank to produce a plurality of successive graduating cushions automatically during the forward stroke of the piston, independent valve communication between the spaces at opposite sides of the piston adapted to be established during the opposite stroke thereof, said valve serving to totally cut ott the passage through the piston near the end of its stroke with subsequent escape of luid around or past the piston during the operation of the last cushion.

35. In a device ot the character described, a two-chainbered casing, a spindle rotatably journaled through the chai'nbers of said casing, an arm connected to the spindle, a teusion spring contained in one of said chambers and having operative connection with the arm, a piston movable in the other chainber and having valved passageway/s therethrough, said spindle having a crank portion, a connecting rod between said crank portion and the piston and having a pivot connecting to the latter, said piston in the last mentioned chamber constituting a cushioning means in which the forward Vmovement of the piston by oscillation of the crank and rod serves to open said valve by oscillation of the pivot and alineinent of the passageways, said pivot serving to close said valve at a pre-determined time to produce with the primary cushion, a plurality of cushions, one of which is positiv 36. In adevice of the character described, a two-chambered casing. a spindle rotatably journaled through the chambers of said casing, anarin connected to the spindle, a tension spring contained in one of said chainbers and having operative connection with the arm. a piston movable in the other chamber and having valved passageways therethrough, said spindle having a crank portion, a connecting rod between said crank tl (l portion in the piston and having a pivot connectingto the latter, said piston in the last mentioned chamber constituting a cushioning means in which the forward movement of the piston by oscillation of the crank and rod serves to open said valve by oscillation of the pivot and alinement of the passageways, said pivot serving to close said valve at a pre-deternlined time to produce with the primary cushion, a plurality of cushions, one of which is positive and means to vary the time of closing the valve by the arm through the medium of the spindle.

37. In a door closer and check, the combination with a closing means and a checking mechanism constituting a cushioning means, and a post; of` means operative through the medium of the post while retaining said parts in operative connection at all times,- for regulating the cushioning means to produce one or more cushions and to shorten or lengthen said one cushion when solely in play and to shorten or lengthen one or the other of the plurality of cushions operative after the first cushion when a plurality of cushions are in play, one of said cushions being positive.

38. In a door check and closer, the combination with a hinged door; of a cushioning device comprising a cylinder, a piston operating therein, a post operatively connected therewith7 means for establishing valved communication with the interior of the cylinder at opposite sides of the piston to permit free rearward movement thereof and check the forward movement thereof, a passageway communicating with the interior of the cylinder at opposite sides of the piston, and means coperative with the piston during the forward movement thereof to produce a plurality of distinct cushions successively and to completely close said passageway so that the last cushion formed when the piston is near the end of its stroke is positive.

89. In a door closer and check, the combination with a checking mechanism including a liquid chamber, a piston therein, a post having connection with the piston, spring means for operating the piston, a plurality of valved passageways and an open passageway through the piston, a checking valve controlling the said open passageway associated with the connection between the post and piston and controlling the said open passageway, an arm connected to the post, an adjustable link connected to the eXtremity of the arm, means for regulating the arc turned by the arm through the medium of,

the adjustable link, said adjustment being made while retaining the parts in operative connection at all times, and means to lock said link from moving` whereby the arc turned by the arm in its operation willbe under positive control.

4.0. In a door closer and check, the combination with a checking mechanism, including a liquid chamber, a piston therein, a post having connection with the piston, spring means' for operating the piston, a valved passageway and an open passageway through the piston, a checking valve controlling the said open passageway associated with the connection between `the post and piston and controlling the said open passageway, an arm connected to the post, an adjustable link connected to the extremity of the arm, means for adjusting and rigidly locking said link and unlocking while retaining the parts in operative connection at all times, whereby the arc turned by the arm in its operation will be under positive control.

Lll. In a door closer and check, the combination with a checking mechanism including a liquid chamber, a piston therein, a post having connection with the piston, spring means for operating the piston, means to establish valved communication between the spaces at opposite sides of the piston, a passageway through the piston, means coper` ating with the passageway to produce a plurality of cushions during the forward stroke thereof, articulated means associated with the post and means to adjust said articulated means for varying the arc swung by the post during the operation of the check and regulating the cushions produced thereby.

42. In a door closer and check, the combination with a checking mechanism including a liquid chamber, a piston therein, a

post` having connection with the piston, means for operating the piston, means to establish valved communication between the spaces at opposite sides of the piston, apas sageway through the piston, means coperating with thepassageway to produce a plurality of cushions during the forward'stroke thereof, and articulated means capable of longitudinal adjustment and anchorage in any adjusted position for regulating the stroke of the piston and the length, time and action of the cushions produced during the forward stroke of the piston.

43. In a door closer and check, the combination with a checking mechanismlincluding a liquid chamber, a piston therein, a

post, and connection affording means of connection of the post with the piston, spring means for operating the piston, a plurality of valved passageways and an open passageway through the piston, a check valve controlling the said open passageway associated with the connection between the post and piston and controlling the said open passageway, an arm connected to the post, an adjustable link connected to the extremity of the arm, and means to vary the arc swung by the arm, the stroke of the piston and cushions produced. thereby.

4A. In a door check and closer, the combination with a spring door closing means, and a checking mechanism, said mechanism having a plurality of cushions operative during the closing operation, a post having adjustable connection with a door or lintel; means operative through the medium of adjustment of the connection and post for regulating one of the cushions without disturbing the operative condition of the connection and parts associated therewith, and automatic locking means associated with the adjustable connection to secure the same in adjusted position when regulating one of the cushions.

45. In a door check and closer, a casing divided into two chambers, a spring chamber and a piston chamber, a spindle journaled to extend through said chambers and having adjustable connection with a part to be operated, a piston in the piston chamber having valved connection with the post, to produce a pluralityT of successive graduating cushions automatically during the forward stroke of the piston, independent valve communication between the spaces at opposite sides of the piston adapted to be established during the opposite stroke thereof, said first named valve serving to totally cut olf the passage through the piston near the end of its stroke with subsequent escape of the fluid around or past the piston during the operation of the last cushion.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand at the borough of Manhattan, city and State of New York, this fourth day of May, 1915.

WILLIAM J. BRYON.

In presence of- JOHN J. RANAGAN, FRANK EUFEMIA. 

